Finding net force and net acceleration

In summary, a 2500 kg hamburger was slid down a ramp with a 45 degree incline and a coefficient of kinetic friction of .597. To find the net force, a free body diagram must be used instead of F=ma, as the acceleration is not given.
  • #1
jack612blue
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Homework Statement


A hamburger with a mass of 2500 kg was slided down a ramp that has a 45 degree incline, and the coefficient of kinetic friction betwen the hamburger and the ramp is .597. What is the net force acting on the hamburger? What is the net acceleration?

Homework Equations


Mass of burger= 2500 kg
mew k = .597

The Attempt at a Solution


The net force is mass times acceleration. But i don't have acceleration.
 
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  • #2
You have the acceleration due to gravity and the force due to friction. You have to find the component of the acceleration due to gravity which points down the ramp.
 
  • #3
but I'm not sure if the object is at equilibrium?
 
  • #4
jack612blue said:

The Attempt at a Solution


The net force is mass times acceleration. But i don't have acceleration.

Have you drawn a free body diagram? Use that to find the net force, not F=ma.
 
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FAQ: Finding net force and net acceleration

What is the difference between net force and net acceleration?

Net force is the overall force acting on an object, taking into account all individual forces acting on the object. Net acceleration, on the other hand, is the overall acceleration of an object, also taking into account all individual accelerations acting on the object.

How do you calculate net force and net acceleration?

To calculate net force, you must first determine all individual forces acting on an object and then add them together vectorially. Net acceleration can be calculated by dividing the net force acting on an object by its mass, as described by Newton's second law of motion (F=ma).

What is the importance of finding net force and net acceleration?

Finding net force and net acceleration is crucial in understanding the motion and behavior of objects. It allows us to predict how an object will move and how much force is needed to cause a certain acceleration. This information is essential in many fields of science and engineering.

Can net force and net acceleration be negative?

Yes, both net force and net acceleration can be negative. A negative net force indicates that the overall force acting on an object is in the opposite direction of its motion, while a negative net acceleration indicates that the object is decelerating.

How does the concept of net force and net acceleration apply to real-life scenarios?

In real-life scenarios, objects are constantly experiencing multiple forces and accelerations. By finding the net force and net acceleration, we can determine the resulting motion of the object. For example, in a car, the net force and acceleration determine how fast it can accelerate or decelerate, and how it will respond to external forces such as friction or air resistance.

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